State court considers restoring NYC big-soda ban

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York City officials are telling the state’s top court to reinstate the city’s ban on big sodas, arguing that the city has authority to restrict products that make people obese and contribute to disease.

Richard Dearing, attorney for the Board of Health, says the court should reinstate the 2012 ban against peddling sugary drinks larger than 16 ounces. The ban was overturned by the lower courts.

Pushed by then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg and backed by Mayor Bill de Blasio, the limits would apply to restaurants, delis, movie theaters, stadiums and street carts.

Restaurants, theater owners and beverage companies sued. They say New York City is the only jurisdiction attempting a ban. Their attorney Richard Bress says the board lacks authority for such a policy decision.